If your pickup has to do snowplow duty, either of the GM full-size pickups may be the best truck for the job. At least, that's what we'd expect Chevy or GMC sales reps will tell you, and they may have a point.

You can hook up a snowplow blade to just about anything with a strong front end — we've even seen a few mounted on small Jeeps and Suzukis — but, as you might expect, there are many important details to consider when choosing the right snowplow blade and the right workhorse vehicle for your plow.

"For plow operators, our torsion bar independent front suspension is a major differentiator," said Chris Bither, GMC Sierra ride and handling engineer. "Our competitors' beam axles can't match it for traction on uneven surfaces and axle hop reduction." We would expect him to say nothing less, but we're well aware that many consider solid front axles and coil springs to be plenty strong enough if they're matched properly.

With that said, all four-wheel-drive GM HDs are available with a specifically-designed optional plow prep package — which includes a 10-amp power for backup and roof emergency lights, heavy-duty 160-amp alternator (or dual 125-amp units for diesel models), high-flow front bumper, forward wiring harness, trailer brake wiring harness, skid plate and a high capacity air cleaner with auxiliary transmission oil cooler — all covered under GMC’s standard warranty. Also, the torsion bars can be adjusted with a single wrench to provide proper wheel alignment and ride height when the weight of a plow — as much as 1,000 pounds or more in some cases — is added to the front of the vehicle.

By contrast, a prep package for the Ford Super Duty offers an upgraded alternator and heavy duty springs, and it does offer a live front axle on 4x4 models. The Ram’s package includes a 180-amp alternator and skid plates, and it also has a solid axle. Of course, all three manufacturers offer a choice between a stout turbo-diesel and powerful gas engine.

If you've determined you don't need a three-quarter-ton or 1-ton truck, GM offers the only plow prep package for light-duty pickups. We should note each of the half-ton truck makers does offer less plow-specific packages that offer some upgraded protections that would also work well under high-stress conditions.

Here are some quick tips to consider if a snowplow is in your truck's future:

First, be very specific about considering your snow-pushing needs. The more snow, the heavier-duty truck that’s required. While Ford does not recommend the 2012 F-150 for snow plowing, a GM half-ton can be used for smaller driveways and streets.

When thinking about capacity, consider the type of plow you’ll use. Driveways are best done with a small, straight blade. The initial cost for larger V-type plows is higher, but time is money, and for larger jobs with larger trucks, V-plows significantly reduce work time.

Plow truck buyers must also consider the right optional equipment. All-terrain tires will add grip, and a locking rear differential can be a big help in slippery situations. Of course, any kind of plow prep package is a must. We'd also recommend heated seats.

I have read on a snow plowing forum that the 2011+ GM HD trucks hold a plow exceptionally well without any modifications unlike previous models. Most operators I have seen only use the required ballast of sand/salt in the truck bed with no suspension modifications or torsion bar adjustments.
There is no plow prep package on F-150 due to the electric power steering. Ford loses AGAIN in the 1/2 ton segment.

Posted by: bob | Feb 27, 2012 11:40:11 AM

After mounting the snow plowed you'll need to crank the toeing bars so much lol. So it doesn't look like a low rider lol

Posted by: Billiejoe | Feb 27, 2012 11:41:22 AM

Torsion bars

Plower my bad. I hate this phone

Posted by: Billiejoe | Feb 27, 2012 11:42:38 AM

Bob, could you evaluate a little on the electric power steering in the F150 not allowing it to have a plow prep package? Gm will be moving to the electric power steering as well in new Silverado, and from what I've heard, electric is supposedly stronger than the current design.

Posted by: Bigger Bob | Feb 27, 2012 11:54:19 AM

Just in time for spring.

Posted by: Max | Feb 27, 2012 11:55:12 AM

1/2 ton Chevy may not have anything else to offer but you can hook a snow plow to it! Guess it wins

Posted by: toycrusher84 | Feb 27, 2012 12:01:47 PM

Ha ha... First off, GMC sucks. The day that taxpayer waste of money division is forced to shut down will be the day I'll consider buying a Chevy truck again. If there's going to be a picture of a truck with a plow on it at least make it a Chevrolet. Second, those engineer's at GM are the biggest yuppie screwballs I've ever witnessed. I watched the Chevy HD to HD promotional videos and was impressed with the frame strength but the damn thing still hangs too low to the ground for their torsion bar tie ins.. That's why snow plow companies here still aren't buying them. They get stuck in deep hard packed snow. And it was hillarious to watch one of the engineer's on there talk up the IFS. It has almost zero wheel travel and absolutely Is Not stable with a plow. Not even close to what a beam axle provides. Add to it, most plow companies like to use larger tires which voids the warranty on a Chevy. And who the hell wants to have to adjust torsion bars all of the time for different loads?? What a piss poor design all around. The last good Chevy truck for plowing or off road use was built in 1987. After that, forget about it. There's a legitimate reason Ford and Dodge own the 2500 and up market.

Posted by: BillDewalt | Feb 27, 2012 12:10:38 PM

Does GM still have the problem with crew cabs buckling when you put a snowplow on them?

Posted by: mike | Feb 27, 2012 12:11:09 PM

*While Ford does not recommend the 2012 F-150 for snow plowing, a GM half-ton can be used for smaller driveways and streets.* i thought all fords where work trucks??? but you can't even plow with their half tons hahahahaha Like i've been saying JUNK!

Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 27, 2012 12:15:32 PM

Ford and Ram don't need a lot of extras as they come everyday ready for hard work.

Why would you need the additional expense getting the chevy luv ready to plow when the others don't need all the upgrades?

Posted by: Scott | Feb 27, 2012 12:16:05 PM

i wouldnt own IFS for snow plowing, have you guys seen the GM system under stress? can you say broken tie rods ! No wonder Ford doesnt recommend their ifs half tons for plows.

go to U tube and type in chevy IFS and watch the carnage unfold

Posted by: Dean | Feb 27, 2012 12:32:02 PM

Hold on now.

It should be pointed out in the article and what the GM sales reps won't tell you is that the only GM half tons that can be used with a snow plow are 4wd Regular Cabs with the Snow Plow Prep Package.

This fact eliminates about 99.9% of the GM half ton trucks we are talking about and drive.

GM half tons is the only one who "can plow" is just another GM talking point.

Back in my landscaping days, one of the other companies (my boss refused to push snow) swore by pushing snow with Wranglers. They were all rusty old piles with 7ft blades- perfect for driveways. Even though the diesels have awesome power for big jobs, they push you much closer to maxing out FAW. The Gassers are lighter and reduce the stress on those front end parts a lot. If your plowing involves a lot of backing, the gassers are faster in that department, too. Too bad there aren't more AT (or snow, for that matter) 255/85 tires available.

Posted by: Mrknowitall | Feb 27, 2012 12:38:50 PM

Obviously you know nothing about hooking a snow plow to a pickup truck. Any of the big 3 manufacturers require the snow plow prep pkg. to mount a plow to one of their trucks. If you don't have the plow prep pkg and something happens, you are SCREWED on your warranty.

Posted by: bob | Feb 27, 2012 12:52:34 PM

But REGULAR CAB only. How many personal use GM people here own regular cabs? I would say almost NONE! That's why it's just a talking point. All GM people do is talk.

Posted by: Dave | Feb 27, 2012 1:01:38 PM

I don't know how you guys live with cold weather, snow, salt, and rusty vehicles.

Posted by: Ken | Feb 27, 2012 1:05:58 PM

Ha ha... First off, GMC sucks. The day that taxpayer waste of money division is forced to shut down will be the day I'll consider buying a Chevy truck again. If there's going to be a picture of a truck with a plow on it at least make it a Chevrolet. Second, those engineer's at GM are the biggest yuppie screwballs I've ever witnessed. I watched the Chevy HD to HD promotional videos and was impressed with the frame strength but the damn thing still hangs too low to the ground for their torsion bar tie ins.. That's why snow plow companies here still aren't buying them. They get stuck in deep hard packed snow. And it was hillarious to watch one of the engineer's on there talk up the IFS. It has almost zero wheel travel and absolutely Is Not stable with a plow. Not even close to what a beam axle provides. Add to it, most plow companies like to use larger tires which voids the warranty on a Chevy. And who the hell wants to have to adjust torsion bars all of the time for different loads?? What a piss poor design all around. The last good Chevy truck for plowing or off road use was built in 1987. After that, forget about it. There's a legitimate reason Ford and Dodge own the 2500 and up market.

Posted by: BillDewalt | Feb 27, 2012 12:10:38 PM

I sounds like you haven't read up on the 2011+ GM HD trucks. They hold a plow just fine. I have read posts where operators have 900 pound plows on the front of these trucks and they drop 1" or less when the plow is lifted. This is as good or better than the competition. Go back to selling power tools Mr. DeWalt. Maybe you know more about those types of products.

Posted by: bob | Feb 27, 2012 1:07:07 PM

But REGULAR CAB only. How many personal use GM people here own regular cabs? I would say almost NONE! That's why it's just a talking point. All GM people do is talk.

Posted by: Dave | Feb 27, 2012 1:01:38 PM

Wrong AGAIN. You can get the plow prep pkg in any cab configuration in a GM HD truck. I am not sure about the 1/2 ton trucks to be honest. All Ford people do is spew BS.

Posted by: bob | Feb 27, 2012 1:11:40 PM

@Dean

90% of them trucks a duramax diesels with 600 plus hp with 1,000 plus tq pulling monster selds down the track at wide open throttle time after time. Theres dodge that bend frames doing it ford with smokes trannies and rear ends drive shafts so on so on. I would rather bust a 200 dollar tie rod or cv shaft then 1,000 dollar rear diff or transmission. The new GM HD'S got even bigger tie rods now plus you can buy a beefer one for the older trucks.

Just look at the link from GM if you want to know the truth and stop using talking points.

I am talking half ton. It was declared here that the only truck that can plow is GM. This is very misleading and should be pointed out in the article. Because it sounds like you can slap a plow on any GM half ton. This is false. First, it must be a Regular Cab, with 4wd and it must have the optional Snow Plow Prep Package. At the very least it should be mentioned that it is for REGULAR CAB half tons only. I have provided the link above from GM that underscores this. This is no not being sure about it. This is a fact. GM says Regular Cab half ton only which elinates almost every GM half ton personal use people drive from being used with a plow.

Posted by: Dave | Feb 27, 2012 1:20:31 PM

@Dave,

Amen. GM = king of talking points. Half ton regular cabs only? What a joke! What home owner is going to waste money on a brand new regular cab 1500 to plow? As for businesses, any commercial plowing business is going to get a used beater truck or a 2500-3500 that is better suited to get the job done. GM has been exposed. GM loses again. Thank you.

Posted by: Jason | Feb 27, 2012 1:28:11 PM

Solid Axle fronts are stronger.

Posted by: Jeff | Feb 27, 2012 1:44:14 PM

@Dave,

Amen. GM = king of talking points. Half ton regular cabs only? What a joke! What home owner is going to waste money on a brand new regular cab 1500 to plow? As for businesses, any commercial plowing business is going to get a used beater truck or a 2500-3500 that is better suited to get the job done. GM has been exposed. GM loses again. Thank you.

Posted by: Jason | Feb 27, 2012 1:28:11 PM

Sounds more like sour grapes to me. Ford loses AGAIN for making a inadequate 1/2 ton truck.

Posted by: Bob | Feb 27, 2012 1:55:41 PM

The new GM heavy duty diesel and gas is king of the hill in this region of the snow belt with Dodge a close second. Most of the old fans of Ford trucks have left them behind in favor of Dodge and GM. 99% of them are fed up with trucks that don't run. When you can't put a reliable engine in a truck, loyalists will eventually turn away from you. In this business time is money. You are not making money when your trucks are sitting in the shop.

Posted by: Bill Wilson | Feb 27, 2012 2:01:58 PM

Pre-2011 GM HD's were not all that great for plowing, Ford's were better (if you could keep the diesel together!). 2011-up GM's are the best right now. Dodge is pretty good too.

Posted by: BigBob | Feb 27, 2012 2:13:09 PM

When I was a teenager, we owned a 1978 CJ-7 Golden Eagle (304V8, auto tranny), that my dad kept at our cabin in the White Mountains of Arizona. During the winter, I'd earn extra cash by plowing people's driveways. We'd put chains on all four of the tires, and the Jeep was unstoppable. Most of people's "driveways" had volcanic cinders as a base. The Jeep was great at maneuvering around trees and stumps.

Posted by: Crutch | Feb 27, 2012 2:33:58 PM

ram all the way for plowing

Posted by: sleder | Feb 27, 2012 2:38:14 PM

Ram will take out Chevy in 2012!

Posted by: RamMan | Feb 27, 2012 2:53:23 PM

Pre-2011 GM HD's were not all that great for plowing, Ford's were better (if you could keep the diesel together!). 2011-up GM's are the best right now. Dodge is pretty good too.

@Bigbob, I sold Chevrolet's for 5 years. You can read my wonderful experiences with their current truck in the 2012 Silverado thread. Concerning the 2500's (HD's), we couldn't give those things away. There's guys that sold Chevrolet's there for over 30 years and the overall consensus was that when Chevrolet lost it's axle up front was when they lost their sales of 2500's and 3500's. Guys just don't want heavy duty trucks without that axle. And after reading through some internet posts here I understand why that frame sits so low to the ground now. I had customers who bought 1500's ask me all the time why the frame hung out of the 2500's so low to the ground like that and could never give them an answer. It appears it's all linked to the torsion bars. Which in turn is because of the IFS instead of the front axle like Ford and Dodge have. As a former Chevrolet salesman I can tell you the Silverado will never get it's sales back until they are set up like the Ford and Dodge are. We had a tough enough time selling 1500's the last few years. The HD's though were darn near impossible to move off the lot. So much so that the owner of the dealership refused to stock more than a couple at a time.

Posted by: M.Kehlner | Feb 27, 2012 2:59:33 PM

You didn't mention RAM has a dedicated "Snow Plow Mode" in the ECM -- that can be enabled by the operator.
---------------------------------------------
Plow Snow Confidently With Your Ram HD.

As the weather begins to change, many Ram owners will start pulling out their snow plows. But your Ram may already come with built-in snow plow mode, a feature that will ensure maximum engine operation while operating in winter conditions. Snow plow mode allows the cooling system and fan to perform to their optimum capability when using a plow blade, which greatly affects the airflow around the front of the truck, ensuring that your engine temperature remains normal.

All Cummins-powered Ram Heavy Duty pickups and chassis cabs from model years 2008 and beyond are equipped with snow plow mode capability. Owners of 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines built prior to model year 2008 can receive the snow plow mode capability by requesting the J35 software flash update at your local dealership, if you haven't received this software update on your truck already.

If you have snow plow mode capability, here’s how to activate it:

1. Key on your truck without starting it.
2. Pull in the cruise control cancel switch and hold. While holding the cruise control cancel switch, push the exhaust brake switch twice. Then release the cruise control cancel switch.
3. Repeat Step 2 three more times for a total of four complete times to activate snow plow mode.

You will then hear two chimes, which confirm that snow plow mode has been activated. Your truck will remain in snow plow mode until you deactivate it. To deactivate it, follow the same series of steps above. You will then hear four chimes, which confirm that snow plow mode has been deactivated. To avoid any risk of overheating, always be sure to activate snow plow mode on your truck while using your plow. Be sure to remember to deactivate snow plow mode once you have finished plowing so that you can maintain fuel economy during normal driving.

The Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel is built to take on heavy snow, and is always ready to work when you need it. By activating snow plow mode, you can be confident that your Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel will deliver the best performance and reliability no matter the weather.

Posted by: Ian | Feb 27, 2012 3:03:51 PM

@ john doe
the point is why should you have to buy beefier tie rods? Why did it take GM until 2011 to beef up tie rod ends? (not even sure they have to be honest) hmmm maybe because they broke alot in the past? Why not buy the truck that will do the job in the first place?

im not getting into the ford,chev dodge war on this thread, im just saying get the right truck for the job in the first place and if your business is plowing then solid axle in my view is the way to go whatever brand it is, old style chev, any dodge or any ford. The u tube videos arent all 600 hp + durmax race trucks, theres lots of trucks 4x4in and stuff and breaking crap, point being a plow puts a large strain on the front end.

Posted by: Dean | Feb 27, 2012 3:06:29 PM

Ha ha... First off, GMC sucks. The day that taxpayer waste of money division is forced to shut down will be the day I'll consider buying a Chevy truck again. If there's going to be a picture of a truck with a plow on it at least make it a Chevrolet.

@Mr.Dewalt - AMEN to That!! I'm just about completely turned off by the entire Chevrolet brand anymore. There's no exclusivity to their trucks now. And my truck brand is my car brand so.. If you buy a Ford truck it's an Exclusive truck. It's one of a kind.. Same with Dodge. It's also an exclusive truck. I'm flat out sick and tired of sharing my truck with the Sierra. GM is always trying to have it both ways. They want their cake and want to eat it too. I can't have a Platinum in my Silverado? I can't have a King Ranch in my Silverado? I can't have a Laramie Longhorn Limited in my Silverado? Pfft.. Screw them.

Posted by: TimHileman | Feb 27, 2012 3:09:10 PM

Ahh, it's such a nice day to come home, open a cold one and check out the latest PUTC threads. Let's have at it.. :)

First off, GMC sucks. The day that taxpayer waste of money division
@Bill, completely correct. GMC does suck and it was a total waste of taxpayer money to fund a second non-necessary truck line. They should have been forced to keep 1 truck line like everyone else in the world has if they were going to take our taxpayer money to stay alive. And their CEO Dan Ackerson is a supposed Republican. Ya right. I will laugh my ass off when Limbaugh,Hannity,Fox and the rest rip him and Obama apart for this.

Ram will take out Chevy in 2012!
@RamMan, most likely, yes they will. GM is run by beancounters and idiots. Most of their bills are paid by the Chevrolet truck line and they still can't get it right. It will be their demise.

Solid Axle fronts are stronger.
@Jeff, indeed they are. GM made a HUGE mistake over 20 years ago and have been backtracking and making excuses ever since. It's almost comical anymore. Their HD trucks are a joke on anything outside of dry pavement. Note to Bob: I didn't say their Engines or Allisons (powertrains) were a joke, I said their TRUCKS are a joke. You know, the thing that Houses the powertrain? You can't seem to differentiate the two.

I can't have a Platinum in my Silverado? I can't have a King Ranch in my Silverado? I can't have a Laramie Longhorn Limited in my Silverado?
@Tim, Yep. You cannot have that. Mommy and Daddy said no. You have to share with your little sister Sierra.

And with that I laugh at GM and still feel sorry for such a cool (or once upon a time cool) brand as Chevrolet for being stuck inside such an idiotic institution. Never giving the customer what they want, only what GM dictates. No SFA for you (even though the market has proven that's what HD customers want). No high class Ford/Dodge equivalent interiors for you Chevy Silverado (even though Ford/Dodge customers love them, buy them in droves, make a killing off of them and Chevrolet guys- GM's biggest customer base just wants them too).. American's like to kill dictators though so it will ultimately happen.

Posted by: FordTrucks1 | Feb 27, 2012 3:40:39 PM

I can't have a Platinum in my Silverado? I can't have a King Ranch in my Silverado? I can't have a Laramie Longhorn Limited in my Silverado?

@Tim, Yep. You cannot have that. Mommy and Daddy said no. You have to share with your little sister Sierra.

That's hillarious!.. So funny, so sad, yet so true all at the same time. Oh well. I've already decided I'm not giving Chevrolet my money anymore if that comes to pass.

Posted by: RedMan | Feb 27, 2012 4:13:10 PM

FordTrucks1, RedMan.....kids, kids, kids....."so sad, yet so true all at the same time"
RedMan, yes, we've heard you. You won't buy another Chevy again. Fine, guess what, YOU DON'T HAVE TO! They are doing just fine without you! Did you see their last year sales?
#1. AGAIN. Without your money.
You write same thing again and again! Do you want us to feel sorry for you, or something?
Chevy guys buy trucks for WORK first. Most of you kids here buy trucks for joy riding. Your trucks have never seen work. Not everybody needs fancy interiors for $35-55K. MOST people buy trucks well below that price.
BUY WHAT EVER YOU WANT. ONCE YOU DO THAT, ENJOY IT. DON'T WORRY ABOUT OTHERS! DON'T TELL ME WHAT I WANT IN MY TRUCK! DON'T WORRY ABOUT CHEVY. CHEVY WAS HERE BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE HERE LONG AFTER YOUR ASS WILL CULTIVATE THIS WONDERFUL PLANT.

GO CHEVY!

Posted by: Greg J | Feb 27, 2012 4:39:55 PM

@ Dean
I know no need for brand wars. Im just say most them videos on youtube are seld pulls. There is some with people with 37 38 plus tires beating on it and it breaks. My point being is if you're hauling and towing like a normal minded person you have no problems. Its the people that drop 10 grand in the motor or 5 grand on monster tires and then pound it to death, yeah it will break as would any other truck.

Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 27, 2012 4:58:56 PM

Chevy trolls need to stop crying.

Posted by: Frank | Feb 27, 2012 5:28:03 PM

I am so sick of the rhetoric spwed by Ford trolls Dave and Frank and I'm sure Lou will be in next to spew some more to add to the Ford troll fest.

The bottom line is GM has the ONLY half ton that can plow and that's the bottom line because GM said so! GM wins and Ford loses again.

Posted by: Bob J. | Feb 27, 2012 6:10:40 PM

No need to buy a Super Duty when a GM half ton will do the same job. That explains why here in snow country (Canada) people are using GM plows.
There used to be a pretty even spread of Ford trucks to GM trucks.
This winter, I would say about 85 % are GM trucks, 10 % Dodge and 5% Ford. Dodge sales are starting off extremely well in 2012.
GMC sells more trucks than Chevrolet in Canada.
GM trucks are proven reliable up here (not only engines but body sheet metal as well with the galvanized metal)

Posted by: Joe | Feb 27, 2012 6:35:58 PM

@Bob J.

GM doesn't have the only half ton that can plow. They have the only 'Plow Prep' package for a half-ton.

Otherwise, I see new Ram and Tundra half-tons with plows all the time. I've even seen a new Ford F150 with a Sno-Way plow, who I believe is the only manufacturer who currently makes a 7'-6" plow compatible with the F150's new electric power steering.

You know I could care less GM, Ford, Dodge! But the author of this article a has real distaste, disbelief tone toward to GM in general. In reading this article and the one a few days ago about the 2012 GM truck they drove, I get this feeling he has no use for GM. As a professional writer one would think he would have his opinion but not let that influence his work. Maybe it's me, just my opinion.

Like the man said, go over to the plowsite and see what the pro's say about the 2011-up GM HD's.

Posted by: BigBob | Feb 27, 2012 9:07:46 PM

I have only ever seen one truck used for plowing snow in and around central Alberta. It was an F-450 with a box and sand spreader. Any companies that do snow removal are using bobcats, loaders, graders, tractors, or real plow trucks. Any small business that have thier own snow removal trucks are using old Ramchargers, Blazers, or Broncos and atv's. The farmers are using tractors and atv's. I never realiized there was a market for pickups being used as plows. Just doesn't happen in my neck of the woods.

Posted by: Jordan L | Feb 27, 2012 9:21:36 PM

It couldn't be more clear that whoever wrote this has never plowed snow. GM's entire history with IFS has been a joke for those of us that plow. Solid axles are the tried and true choice of real plowers. Easy to beaf up if needed and stronger out of the gate. If you don't know what your talking about why are you writing this article? Another thing thats not mentioned is that Ford and Dodge both have 4 upfitter switches that can be ordered as well as 220 amp alts., but hey the GM twins have a 160 amp and 1 10 amp light plug..
This article is just a let down given what it could have been.

Posted by: Sam | Feb 27, 2012 9:32:07 PM

Bob, Joe, BobJ, GregJ, Every "Bob" on here or SierraGS as we know him on GMI.. All the same GMC nutjob person from California with a serious brain disorder.

I drive a Chevy truck. I love Chevrolet.. Do I want a King Ranch in my truck like Ford and Dodge offer? Yes I do. I'm sick of the Chevy=Cheap work truck nonsense you spew. I buy my truck for work like every Ford guy does and every Dodge guy does. Both Ford and Dodge trucks come with base interiors, Platinum type luxury interiors and mega working King Ranch type leather interiors. How dare you try and keep us Chevy guys from getting the same type of treatment Ford and Dodge give their loyal customers. As if your precious Sierra won't be able to do the exact same things our Silverado will be able to do. They're Both trucks that will Both do the exact same work. Chevy isn't getting some special "Work Edition" frame or something. What Chevrolet truck customers ARE getting is SCREWED on interiors Period. This is all so GM can keep GMC/Buick franchises afloat end of story. Everyone in the industry knows this. Everyone in the industry is going to Use this to destroy Chevrolet truck sales and as a result the Chevrolet brand until GM has nothing left. You think it's only a few guys on here that are sick of this? Most Ford trucks sold are high trim interior trucks and those Could have been Chevrolet sales if the Silverado offered what Ford did. I sure as hell won't buy the next Silverado without a King Ranch interior either. Ford has had them since 1999. I want mine in a Chevy! I couldn't care less about GMC. And if you GMC guys get it then Great! Good for you.. You've been using Chevrolet motors and body designs for over 50 years to stay afloat so hey, have at our interiors too. How about YOU leave US Chevy guys alone you jerk. So what if we want nice interiors and want to pay GM for them? It's OUR TRUCK! Stick to YOUR TRUCK.

As for the plow trucks, who would buy a 1500 for a plow? You can't carry salt or sand spreaders in the back and load them down. It's a job for a 2500 truck. My beef with Chevy is actually Not the lack of a SFA like many. I could deal with IFS IF and Only IF they would get that frame up off the ground. When I watch that cool Chevy HD commercial with the kid and his toy truck, I look at that silver toy truck and think "Hey GM, see that truck? See how clear it is under there? That's how the real thing should look". It's the appearance of the 2500's frame that ruins the entire truck for me. Add to it the low ground clearance it gives. If the frame was fixed and tucked up, I'd drive a IFS HD Chevy all day long.

Posted by: RyanHaynes46 | Feb 27, 2012 9:43:44 PM

This winter, I would say about 85 % are GM trucks, 10 % Dodge and 5% Ford. Dodge sales are starting off extremely well in 2012.

-- That's not true. I live in Ontario and most plow trucks are Ford Super Duty's. Your 5% statistic is simply not being honest. GMC had a slightly larger presence here over Chevrolet because it was the truck carried for Pontiac which was the large brand here. When I retired we were seeing more Chevrolet's go out to local dealers due to Pontiac's closing. As Chevrolet expands up here so will Silverado sales. That's just the way it is. I also worked at the GM Oshawa truck plant for 28 years and the only galvanized part on any of the trucks is the outer front door skins and also the rockers on the GMT-400's. The rust issues on the GMT-800's always discussed online were due to the thinner metal used on the rockers that was not galvanized for the 800's. The cabs on the 400's/800's/900's are the same. Just plain stamped steel just as Ford/Dodge also use albeit thinner for each generation hence the earlier rust problems witnessed on the 800's vs. the 400's. The 400's just lasted a little longer because they had thicker sheetmetal. The bed's wheel wells rot away on all trucks. Ford/Chevy/Dodge. None of those companies galvanize their beds. The 800's again, only rusted quicker because the metal was thinner. It doesn't take as long to rust through. GM knew about these problems. This is why the GMT-900's simply don't have rockers now and instead use a rubber molding lip on the bottom of the door skin. As with the 400's/800's, the 900's door skin is also galvanized. Ford/Dodge/Chevy all use galvanized door skins now. The higher bed flare on the Sierra and the flared away stamping for the Silverado on these 900 beds are intentional to help prevent early corrosion as witnessed on the 800's. You keep the slush/salt/sand from building up and/or chipping off the the paint when the metal is further away from the throw of the tire.

As of the day I retired the thickest mil steel used on any of the Big 3 was on the Ford's. We compared these things all of the time. GM's was the thinnest. It's good and bad. It's not quite as sturdy however you get much better gas mileage, more power to use for towing a trailer instead of the truck and quicker acceleration times.. If there was inferior steel ordered from a supplier via GM for things such as brake lines, frames or even the sheetmetal to cut costs, it would have been and would still be an inside secret. None of us employees could have access to such information. I only know how the trucks were built, why certain things were designed the way they were and what was indeed galvanized. These are the facts.

Posted by: DaveMichaelsen | Feb 27, 2012 10:24:52 PM

Hey RyanHaynes46,
I have a solution to your problems, ready?
BUY FORD OR RAM!
It's that easy.
Noboby will cry after you, nobody will hold it against you, believe me.
That way you'll get your $45K King Ranch "work truck". You'll be happy and we won't have to listen to your cries.

Just so you know, here is some pricing for the "work trucks" you so much desire, they start at:
Longhorn $44K
LTZ $36K
Lariant $36K
King ranch $43K
Platinium $45K
If you think that MOST buyers opt for any of the above. YOU'RE DELUSIONAL!

Posted by: Greg J. | Feb 27, 2012 10:28:19 PM

@GregJ. and whoever else you are.

Dude, leave people alone. You're like a big bully trying to force your views on everyone else. Not everybody wants a GMC man. Most guys grew up with Chevy's. If a Chevy guy wants a King Ranch or Platinum interior like the Ford guys have why on God's green earth would you even care?? Chevy, Ford and Dodge have always gone after eachother in trucks,cars,racing and competing in general. Chevrolet was set up across the street from Ford to destroy them before Chevy ever even became a part of GM. You GMC guys will get your own high end Denali interior so what's your deal? Seriously man. Knock it off.